Last night was Victoria's Secret first-ever televised swim special and, spoiler alert: Don't watch if you're not willing to deal with intense vacation fever. I wasn't sure what to expect since the brand's never done one before, and I'm officially giving it five stars. It was an interesting look at what goes into shooting the catalog, yeah, but also, the girls seem like a lot of fun and spilled some honest feelings about what it's like to live life as an Angel. It's never easy to look at photos of yourself. "Sometimes it's amazing and sometimes it's a little scary, a little overwhelming," Behati Prinsloo said when asked how it felt to be one of the most photographed women in the world. "I'm very self-conscious," added Alessandra Ambrosio. Being an Angel is a full-on job. As such, it's helpful to remember that these beauties count working out as a big part of their profession. Candice Swanepoel said it best—"It's a job for me"—and looks at her pics on set to constantly work on improving and getting better. They have nicknames, fears, and hidden talents. I was surprised to hear Lily Aldridge call Alessandra "Ali" while they chatted, and earlier, Lily read more

Tonight marks Victoria's Secret first-ever swim special, which will reveal behind-the-scenes glimpses at what exactly goes into shooting the famous swimsuit catalog. In keeping with the theme of the evening, we asked Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, and four other models to tell us about their favorite and most flattering styles from the new collection. Here's what they had to say... Alessandra Ambriosio: "For the swim special, I wore a Very Sexy fringe macramé monokini that I loved. It has a really cool boho style but was still super sexy." Candice Swanepoel: "There are some one-pieces that I am obsessed with like the Very Sexy drape-back one-piece, which is embellished in the back and very sleek in the front. Many of the new one-piece styles have high-cut legs, similar to the silhouettes of the '80s, which I love. This cut is very flattering on your legs and makes them look longer." Lily Aldridge: "I like all of the neon, sporty, mesh bikinis. During the swim shoot, I wore this neon yellow Beach Sexy mesh teeny triangle top and Beach Sexy mesh string bikini bottom that I loved!" Joan Smalls: "I love the Very Sexy mesh-inset monokini. The mesh shows a peek read more

Ahh! When news broke that Karlie Kloss was leaving the Victoria's Secret family to follow collegiate dreams at NYU, we were sad. Now we've gotten news that Doutzen Kroes has also officially ended her relationship with the brand. Cue the sad-face emoji. After I posted the news about @karliekloss leaving VS I got a number of texts asking me why I hadn't said anything about Doutzen @doutzen leaving at the end of last year. Fair question. The simple answer is I should have. Doutzen had a lucrative opportunity in Europe and it would have conflicted with her VS obligations. So, at her agencies request, we released her from contract. There was no conflict. No animosity. None of the nonsense I've read on Instagram. She had a great business opportunity, and I wanted to be fair to someone I adore and respect. That's all. I honestly believe Doutzen is one of the most stunningly beautiful people in the world. And I always will. I have told her that many times. Now you know. A photo posted by Ed Razek (@ed_razek) on Feb 20, 2015 at 3:46pm PST The info came via Ed Razek's Instagram account (the chief marketing officer of Limited read more

Karlie Kloss, one of our favorite Victoria's Secret Angels is turning in her gilded wings. The runway superstar, cookie-making maestro, and Taylor Swift bestie hasn't renewed her contract with the lingerie giant because she's headed to NYU in the fall, according to People. Ed Razek, chief marketing officer of Limited Brands and executive producer of the Victoria's Secret Fashion show tweeted the following statement: “Karlie and I met several months ago to discuss the many things she hoped to do in her life and career. As we talked, it became clear she would not have the time to fulfill her myriad commitments.... Reluctantly, we agreed she would leave the brand at the end of her contract. Karlie is one of a kind, a very close friend, someone I truly admire and love. She is, without question, one of the best models ever. But she is an even better person. Her future is unlimited, and I am excited to see all the good she will do. Karlie Kloss will always be an Angel to me.” Karlie, 22, has walked the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show since 2011 and was officially named an Angel in 2013. But not to worry—you'll still read more

This morning, Danica sent along a link to a Change.org petition asking Victoria's Secret to expand its size range so that a plus-size fan could shop. I immediately clicked over to the brand's site to check out what sizes it did offer and dug into the size chart: XL correlates to a size 16. That's certainly more than the niche brands whose largest offering isn't much more than an 8, but still—what is plus-size, officially? Per Plus Model magazine, plus-size includes clothing sizes 12 to 24 (past that, it's something called super- and extended-size). By that definition, Victoria's Secret does in fact offer some plus options, but is it enough? "While I believe every company has the right to market however they wish, I also believe all women, including plus-size women like me, have perfect bodies and deserve to feel sexy too," petitioner Dana Drew wrote, referencing the hullabaloo the company caused with its Perfect Body campaign."My money and my credit are good enough for them, but the fact that I can buy only items like perfume, lotion, and body spray sends the message that my body is not. Every year I watch the Angel fashion show and would love read more

Supermodel Karlie Kloss's cropped haircut has become part of her signature look to the point where we'd almost forgotten that, once upon a time, Taylor Swift's best friend had the long hair more typical of her fellow Victoria's Secret models. But it's true, and her long hair is back—temporarily, anyway. Check out these behind-the-scenes photos from a L'Oreal commercial Karlie shot yesterday while wearing super-long, sexy hair extensions. A photo posted by @karliekloss on Feb 8, 2015 at 3:30pm PST A photo posted by Cyril Chapuy (@chapuyc) on Feb 8, 2015 at 3:43pm PST A photo posted by @karliekloss on Feb 8, 2015 at 10:05pm PST A photo posted by @karliekloss on Feb 8, 2015 at 9:32pm PST Holy smokes—she looks spectacular. Do these photos make you miss her long hair? Should she consider growing out the Karlie after all this time? Or do you think her signature shorter look is what she should stick with? Let us know your opinion below! read more

Guys, there's been a lot of Victoria's Secret news going on, but this sexy nugget might be the most exciting of all! The brand will televise its first-ever swim special on Feb. 26 that shows Angels preparing for and shooting the famous swimsuit catalog in Puerto Rico. The regular runway show is known for over-the-top entertainment, and I'm happy to report we won't be without it here either: Maroon 5 and Juanes are making island appearances to entertain the models (and therefore us, vicariously). Plan on seeing a lot of the brand's biggest bombshells, including Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, Behati Prinsloo, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Joan Smalls. Excited? Will you watch? Make sure you haven't missed a stitch of VS news: Watch the just-debuted Super Bowl ad and check out the Angels playing football. That last video is going to majorly impress you, promise. read more

We got teased with a seriously impressive video of Victoria's Secret Angels playing football last week and now, the official Super Bowl ad has been revealed! It's way different (there are no football helmets, jerseys, or pads in sight), but still every bit as sexy. Do you watch the Super Bowl? For the game or, you know, the ads? read more

Earlier this week I got the chance to talk about sexy bras and how to maximize cleavage with Victoria's Secret Pink beauty Taylor Hill. After I got over how pretty and friendly she was, it was down to business. With all the different silhouettes and types out there, it's still the classic push-up bra that's best for getting those girls up. "That's what it's made for!" she told me. "They're comfortable, but you have a little bit of push and support as well." For straps, Taylor likes the T-back style. "It doesn't feel as heavy on your shoulders and makes you stand up straighter because it's pulling your shoulders back." She's never tried the old trick of doubling up on bras for extra oomph but did share how the pros use makeup for additional cleavage definition. "For shoots and stuff they do a bronze that's darker than my skin tone. When you have [the bra] on, you can do a little brush over the top and in between." Beauty genius Beth has posted about this before too—if you need a visual, this is going to be beyond helpful. One of my most favorite parts of my job is getting to read more

Ready to be SO impressed by Victoria's Secret Angels? The brand just shared a video of some of its most famous beauties getting serious on the football field and—surprise—they're totally clothed (in uniforms that look a lot like what the real guys wear). A different football ad will run during next month's Super Bowl, and if this video doesn't convince you that these girls are serious athletes, I don't know what will. It's a sweet spot for the brand to also remind male football-watchers about a certain holiday creeping up. It's "the single best opportunity for Victoria's Secret to remind a global audience that Valentine's Day is right around the corner," CEO Sharen Jester Turney said in a statement. If there's a reason to not complain that your guy is watching smoking-hot VS models, I think we've found it. Everyone sitting around me loved that the girls are in uniforms, not itty-bitty lingerie. What about you? Like that they skipped the bras for this? read more

While you were busy eating delicious food and watching various TV marathons over the holidays, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Victoria's Secret model Jessica Hart showed off brand-new haircuts. Huntington-Whiteley chopped several inches off her long hair, ending up with a shoulder-grazing style that lightens her up a bit: 💇💇💇 Ready for 2015 equipped with a fresh new do! Thank you to my favourite brother sister hair duo...@georgenorthwood @sallynorthwood 💁👌👫 #ShortHairDontCare #GeorgeNorthwood #SallyNorthwood #BeThereOrHaveBadHair A photo posted by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (@rosiehw) on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:41am PST And Hart stayed the same length but added new bangs and layers that frame her face in a very sultry way, even when she's just hanging out around the tree with her family: Joyeux Noël de les Harts ! Una foto publicada por Jessica Hart (@1jessicahart) el Dic 12, 2014 at 1:22 PST Clearly they were both itching for something new for the new year, and they found it. It's that time of year, after all. And these women are so gorgeous they can pretty much go for anything hair-wise and still look fabulous, so how could they go wrong? If you're looking for new cut ideas, check out these bobs and the best read more

Lucky for us, Victoria's "Secret" seems to be that she hires women who are incredibly gorgeous and hot to show us all how to find our inner sex kitten. Here's what the VS models taught us in the beauty department this year. Lesson 1) Even already-sexy women go for a smoky eye when they want to look sultry. It's just a classic. Don't question it. Lesson 2) Looking good in photos has something to do with your thumbs. Who knew? Lesson 3) Sometimes it takes a "combo platter" to get your body bronzer right. Here's the cocktail one of their makeup artists uses. Lesson 4) It's never too late to take care of your skin—even the night before a big event like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Find out how three of the ladies prepped this year. Lesson 5) There's an art to the sexy hair flip. Their job isn't as easy as it looks, people. read more

In an on-set Instagram pic posted yesterday, Gigi Hadid confirmed she's working with Victoria's Secret (the relationship must be super new—don't forget that she didn't walk in the VS show). A photo posted by @ellistonlutz on Dec 12, 2014 at 1:00pm PST Photographer Elliston Lutz took and shared the silly photo of Gigi, and it's no surprise to see his name attached to the project—he's shot Victoria's Secret Pink campaigns before. This looks to be a shoot for the latter too, which makes sense since Gigi is young (19) and feels right for the bubblier little-sister arm. I mean, slap a logo on this kissy-face snap and it could totally be a billboard somewhere. A photo posted by @ellistonlutz on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:58pm PST Did you totally see this news coming or are you surprised? P.S. That cute striped sweater Gigi's wearing? It's Ann Taylor and on sale! read more

If there's one thing a Victoria's Secret model knows, it's how to achieve maximum prettiness. So when I had the chance to run around their pre-show prep and chat with the Angels about absolutely anything, I asked a few of them to share the best backstage beauty tip they've picked up over the years. Joan Smalls: "I don’t always use a specific product for what I’m actually supposed to use it for. For instance, a red lip liner. I might use it as an eyeliner because I might not have that color or something about the consistency feels better. Or a cream blush: I might put it on my lips if I want a just-bitten look. Also, I always curl my lashes twice. First mid-base, and then I get really, really close. I feel like that opens up your face and you look bright and awake and you feel better." Doutzen Kroes: "Contouring. To do the right contouring is like an art. And I think it’s really important." Grace Mahary: "I like to massage my moisturizer into my skin a little bit because it really helps wake up your skin. I tend to stick to Embryolisse, and when I do read more

If you're a lady who loves sparkle, stop reading right now and set your DVR so it'll record the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (I don't care if you're planning on watching too—a little backup never hurt anyone). Like in years before, the runway will include some Swarovski-bedecked costumes, and this year the sparkliest one in show history will be revealed. It's this butterfly costume, worn by Lily Donaldson, and it completely feels like it belongs in an enchanted forest somewhere. There were a total of 25 looks using Swarovski crystals, but the custom piece Lily wore took more than 150,000 sparklers to make and was crafted by Paris-based couture designer Serkan Cura. "I don't think I've ever worn something so sparkly," Lily told me, though she's seen something that's given the wings a run for their money: the crown jewels. Now, I've hefted around a few bead-covered prom dresses in my day and remember being absolutely gobsmacked at how heavy they could feel. Any concern about Lily's runway strut was misplaced, though. "It was heavy to hold but surprisingly light to wear," she assured me. (Phew.) Here's another one of the sparkly looks we can expect to see on the read more

Is there a certain hair or makeup quirk you always love to spot on celebrities? I'm always happy to see one with a braid that's as skimpy as my own. My hair is so fine—I have lots of it, but the individual strands are thin—that my braids always come out super skinny. Not at all the way they usually look in magazine how-tos. I have to artfully loosen the braid section by section to make it look a little thicker, and the elastic at the end winds around seemingly 100 times! Well, I've found my latest celebrity partner in shrimpy-braid-dom, and shockingly, it's one of the bombshell-haired Victoria's Secret models, Lily Aldridge. Off the runway, her hair is much more relatable to us regular girls. What a lovely example of how even a thinner braid can look so perfectly chic! Those lashes on the other hand? Not so skimpy. One of my previous favorite skinny braid sightings was on Taylor Swift, back when she had long hair. Oh, and oddly enough, Beth just posted a great braid-styling trick for those of us with fine hair! Go check it out. What beauty quirk do you love to spot on celebs—something that read more

Happy Victoria's Secret Show Day! Did you check out my dispatches from London over on Lipstick and Instagram? If not, get to it and then pop back over here at 9 P.M. sharp to watch a live-stream of Adriana Lima, Lily Aldridge, and Martha Hunt as they host the VS pre-show! Want a little preview of what to expect? Come see what went on when the show was taped in London last week. Who are you most looking forward to seeing on the catwalk? read more

From my morning perch, it's seriously rainy and gray and looking like the type of day that makes you want to crawl back into bed. Since that's not an option, let's share the one thing guaranteed to put you in a sunny mood: a video of Victoria's Secret Angels lip-synching to Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off." They do an impressive job of getting all the lyrics perfectly right, and before you put on your headphones, prepare to lose, like, 15 full minutes. You're going to want to watch it more than once. I spy Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo, Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, and Adriana Lima, which leads me to the obvious question... Who's your favorite Angel? Are you planning on watching the show tonight? PS: And because we can't discuss a supermodel music video without dusting off this bad boy: read more